WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama said the "whole nation is grieving right now" over Thursday's mass killings at Fort Hood, Texas.
Obama urged people not to jump to conclusions while law enforcement officials gather facts about the shootings.
The president Friday ordered flags at the White House and other federal agencies to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day as a tribute to those who lost their lives.
A shooter went on a rampage that left 13 people dead and injured 30 others at the sprawling Army post. Obama promised to update the nation as his administration learns more about what happened.
The suspected shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, was shot and remains hospitalized. The motive for the incident remains unclear.
The base commander at Fort Hood said soldiers who witnessed the shooting rampage reported that the gunman shouted "Allahu Akbar!" before opening fire at the Texas post.
Lt. Gen. Robert Cone told NBC's "Today" show Friday that Hasan made the comment, which is Arabic for "God is great!" before the rampage.
Cone said Hasan was not known to be a threat or risk.
Hasan was shot four times during the rampage.
President Responds
President Barack Obama called the shooting "a horrific outburst of violence." Obama said his immediate thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and the families of the fallen.
"I would ask all Americans to keep the people of Fort Hood in their thoughts and prayers,” Obama said. “We will make sure that we get answers to all the answers to every single question about this horrible incident. And I want all of you to know that as commander in chief there is no greater honor, and no greater responsibility for me than to make sure that the extraordinary men and women in the military are properly cared for, and that their safety and security when they are at home is provided for us. So we are going to stay on this."
Vice President Joe Biden said he is praying for the families and released this statement on the Fort Hood shooting.
"Jill and I join the president and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today. We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy."
Gates, Islamic Information Center Release Statements
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates issued the following statement Thursday:
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident. There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times."
Hasan's name and possible connection to Islam has many in the Muslim community speaking out, saying they do not condone Hasan’s action and are praying for the families who lost their loved ones.
The Islamic Information Center released this statement:
"The Islamic Information Center, in conjunction with all the major Muslim organizations nationwide, strongly condemns the attack on U.S. Military Base Fort Hood in Texas that took place today. American Muslims stand with their fellow citizens in offering prayers for the victims, and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured. While several news reports have cited one of the gunmen to be Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, IIC strongly emphasizes that this attack and its perpetrator are in no way is representative of the Muslim people or the peace-loving religion of Islam."
Who Is Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan?
Before being transferred to Fort Hood in July, Hasan was a psychiatrist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for 6 years.
Officials said Hasan had received a poor performance evaluation while at Walter Reed.
He was born in Virginia and has no children.
He is a graduate of Virginia Tech University where he belonged to the ROTC.
Hasan received his bachelor's degree in biochemistry in 1997.
He received his medical degree from the military's Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., in 2001.
At Walter Reed, he did his internship, residency and a fellowship.
Safe And Well List
The American Red Cross has set up a new link on their Web site, urging families to take advantage of the Safe and Well Web site.
The site allows families to register their well-being so family and friends can search for them and find out if they are safe.
Fort Hood Information
Fort Hood is the Army's largest U.S. post, with about 40,000 troops. It is home to the Army's 1st Cavalry Division and elements of the 4th Infantry Division, as well as the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 13th Corps Support Command. It is located near Killeen, Texas.
Fort Hood is home to the Warrior Combat Stress Reset Program, which is designed to help soldiers overcome combat stress issues.
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